Bernard Quentin Augustus Pitts, often known by his initials as B. Q. Pitts, was a Belizean politician and Former Speaker of the House of Representatives of Belize.

Early life and education

Bernard Quentin Augustus Pitts was born in 1935.

Career

Pitts - who was an attorney by training - held a long list of senior public posts under various UDP administrations - but most notably was an elected city councilor in the early 80s, and served as Speaker of the House of Representatives of Beliefrom 1993 - to 1998, and Attorney General from 2010 to 2012.

He was a lawyer in private practice, the senior partner in the law firm of Pitts and Elrington along with his Cabinet colleague Wilfred Elrington. Following the Belize Constitution (Seventh Amendment) Bill which removed the Constitution of Belize's requirement that the Attorney General be a member of the House or Senate, PM Dean Barrow appointed him to the position of Attorney General in place of Elrington. However, his term was marked by poor relations with the Belize Bar Association, particularly over the issue of the Belize Constitution (Ninth Amendment) Bill, and, in 2012, Elrington took over the post of Attorney General again.  

Honours and awards

Pitts was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2012 New Year Honours.

Personal life

Bernard Q. Pitts Sr. was married to Valda Icene Pitts and had seven children. Pitts' daughter Sharon Pitts-Robateau is also a partner and currently the head of his law firm. Pitts' son Bernard Q. Pitts Jr. is a politician. He ran under the United Democratic Party (UDP) banner for a seat on the Belize City Council in the 2012 elections and was elected, defeating the People's United Party candidate.

Death

B.Q. Pitts died on 28 December 2015 at the age of 80 of heart failure after suffering a reported stroke a week earlier.